Brief Description: Requiring regional transportation investment district tax revenue to be allocated proportionally among member counties.

Sponsors: Representatives Shabro, Conway, Priest, McDonald, Tom, Darneille, McMahan, Flannigan, Carrell, Campbell, Lantz, Talcott, Roach, Bailey, Kirby and Kristiansen.

Hearing Date: 3/7/03

Staff: Gene Baxstrom (786-7303).

Background:

Regional Transportation Investment Districts were authorized under Chapter 56, Laws 2002 for the purpose of planning, selecting, funding and implementing projects identified to address transportation needs in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. Implementation requires at least two-contiguous counties forming a single district. The district is authorized several local voter-approved funding options including a sales and use tax, vehicle registration fee, parking tax, and vehicle tolls.

The councils of King, Pierce and Snohomish counties met in June 2002 and approved formation of a planning committee to determine transportation investments in each of the three counties. The planning committee consists of the members of the county legislative authorities of the three counties, with votes weighted proportionally to population. Project lists have been identified by each of the counties and those projects are being evaluated for costs and funds available. Before a plan goes before the voters, each county council must approve the plan. There is no requirement on how the plan should distribute the funds among the participating counties.

Summary of Bill:

Revenues raised by a Regional Transportation Investment District must be allocated proportionally to member counties based on tax revenue generated and must be used for projects within each county.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.